BREAKING: Two Montreal-based car rental companies have been accused of orchestrating an extensive luxury car theft operation potentially worth over $9 million. Citycar Rental and Coudicar Rental, along with their owner, Habib Coudsi, are at the center of these serious allegations, detailed in recent court filings from Quebec’s attorney general.
According to the civil court documents, Coudsi is implicated in an international fraud scheme that facilitated the theft and export of nearly 200 luxury vehicles. Investigators report that the network utilized fraudulent credit cards to acquire high-end cars from businesses across Quebec and Ontario before shipping them overseas. The operation is allegedly linked to Yaacoub Sarraf, who is described as the mastermind overseeing this sophisticated crime ring.
Authorities have been investigating this alleged network since June 2021, uncovering a garage that served as the primary hub for operations, which is associated with both rental companies and other businesses involved in the scheme. Surveillance has revealed that police discovered multiple car key fob programming devices at the garage, commonly associated with vehicle theft.
In a significant finding, investigators estimate that at least 70 stolen vehicles were recovered at the port, ultimately tracing back to Coudsi’s rental businesses. Montreal police reported seizing large sums of cash and luxury items from Coudsi’s residence, further suggesting these assets are linked to the proceeds of crime.
The attorney general’s office is now pursuing civil lawsuits aimed at confiscating Coudsi’s home, the Saint-Michel garage, and all assets seized during the investigation. These legal actions claim that the items found at Coudsi’s property are inconsistent with his declared income, raising concerns about potential financial misconduct.
As of now, the allegations have not been tested in court, and no criminal charges have been laid against Coudsi, Sarraf, or any other individuals mentioned in the filings. However, the implications of this case resonate deeply within the community, especially considering the increasing sophistication of car theft operations.
Authorities are calling for vigilance, as the developments in this case could signal a larger trend in luxury car thefts across Canada. With the investigation ongoing, residents and potential car rental customers are urged to stay informed and cautious.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to evolve. The potential ramifications for both the accused and the local economy are significant, as this case highlights the dark side of the rental car industry.
